Securing Rare Earths: A Crucial Step for Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Transition in the West

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Recent export restrictions by China on essential rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium have intensified focus on the global significance of these materials. As China introduces new licensing requirements for elements utilized in high-performance magnets, manufacturers around the world are realizing that access to these critical inputs can no longer be assumed.

According to a recent report from the US Energy Information Administration, energy consumption in 2024 reached record levels, with demand expected to continue rising. This comes shortly after another report projected that the US grid would need to boost its capacity to generate and deliver electricity by 16 percent within the next four years to meet increasing energy demands.

Utilities are under increasing pressure to enhance the resilience and reliability of their power delivery systems in response to the growing severity of weather-related events. While the icing of wind turbine blades has been widely discussed, the physical distribution of energy has received far less attention. Wind farm components are now adopting the latest technologies to modernize their fleets and extend their operational lifespan.

Ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wind turbines relies heavily on understanding the fluids that keep them operating smoothly. Compatibility testing plays a crucial role in preventing costly issues that can arise from mixing incompatible lubricants. This article delves into the importance of fluid compatibility testing in power generation, emphasizing its potential to enhance equipment reliability and reduce maintenance costs.

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### BAE Systems’ Innovations in Electric Drive Systems

BAE Systems has made significant strides with its innovative Gen3 electric drive system, which recently showcased exceptional fuel economy during tests conducted by the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus Research and Testing Center. The bus equipped with this system achieved an average fuel economy of 6.6 miles per gallon, setting a new standard for hybrid-electric buses in North America. The Gen3 system is designed to enhance power delivery, improve acceleration, and significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Bob Lamanna, Vice President at BAE Systems, remarked, “The test results highlight the efficiency of our proven technology, which enhances sustainability while delivering the reliability and performance that transit authorities expect.” The system’s modular design increases reliability and simplifies servicing, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride for passengers.

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### Yaskawa America’s Expansion Plans

Yaskawa America, Inc. has announced plans to invest at least $180 million in Wisconsin, creating over 700 new high-paying jobs in the state. The company will consolidate its Illinois and Wisconsin facilities into a new campus in Franklin, Wisconsin, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 110th anniversary globally.

Governor Tony Evers expressed excitement over the expansion, noting its potential to strengthen Wisconsin’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing. The new facility will encompass over 800,000 square feet and will include a headquarters, training, and manufacturing operations.

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### LF Energy Summit Europe

The LF Energy Summit Europe, scheduled for September 10-11, 2025, in Aachen, Germany, will focus on open source solutions for the energy transition. This event will gather members of the LF Energy community, including developers, vendors, and utilities, to share best practices and collaborate on the development of open source technologies in the energy sector. The agenda will feature over 75 breakout sessions, technical workshops, and networking opportunities.

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### Stryten Energy’s New Battery Technology

Stryten Energy has announced that its M-Series Li600 batteries are now certified as approved lithium-ion batteries for Hyster Power Cellect and Yale Power Key equipped trucks. This new technology utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, offering faster charging, greater efficiency, and increased cycle life. The integration of these batteries enhances performance and reliability for material handling operations.

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### Solar Car Challenge

The Solar Car Challenge is set to take place in Texas, featuring 27 high school teams from across the U.S. who will race solar-powered cars at Texas Motor Speedway. This annual event aims to inspire students in science, engineering, and alternative energy. The competition is preceded by rigorous evaluations and educational workshops, highlighting the students’ ingenuity and problem-solving skills.

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### Factorial’s Gammatron Platform

Factorial has launched Gammatron, an AI-driven simulation platform designed to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries. This innovative tool combines electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and high-fidelity lab data to predict and optimize battery performance more effectively than traditional methods. Gammatron significantly reduces the timeline for validating new cell designs, thereby enhancing the pace of battery innovation.

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### SEG Solar’s Tax Credit Achievement

SEG Solar has successfully completed its first sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits, valued at up to $50 million. This transaction marks a significant financial milestone for the company, bolstering its position in the U.S. solar market and enabling further investments in domestic manufacturing. The tax credits are linked to the volume of solar modules produced in 2025 at SEG’s Houston facility.

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